Indiana lawmaker criticized by Trump over redistricting is victim of swatting

An Indiana GOP state senator said Sunday he had been the victim of a swatting incident, an announcement that came several hours after President Trump criticized him and another Indiana Republican for rebuffing his call to do redistricting in the state.

Indiana state Sen. Gregory Goode (R) said in a statement posted on the social platform X he and his family were the victims of a swatting incident on Sunday evening “during which a fake communication was sent to local law enforcement officials.”

Goode said officials believed the incident they were responding to was a “domestic violence emergency.”

“While this entire incident is unfortunate and reflective of the volatile nature of our current political environment, I give thanks to God that my family and I are ok,” Goode added.

Earlier Sunday, Trump criticized Goode and Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R) for opposing efforts to redraw the Hoosier State’s congressional map as Trump and the White House have pressed the Indiana GOP to do mid-decade redistricting.

“Because of these two politically correct type ‘gentlemen,’ and a few others, they could be depriving Republicans of a Majority in the House, A VERY BIG DEAL!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.  

He also suggested Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) was not doing enough to rally support among Republicans for redistricting. Braun was initially hesitant around the idea of redistricting but later called a special session for the issue. The Indiana governor expressed frustration on Friday after Bray announced the GOP didn’t have the votes to move forward with redrawing a new map.

“Any Republican that votes against this important redistricting, potentially having an impact on America itself, should be PRIMARIED,” Trump added on Truth Social.

Members of Trump’s political team responded swiftly, saying they would primary members who opposed the redistricting effort, though his team is not done trying to persuade holdouts yet. Politico reported the Trump team has pressed Indiana Republicans to come to the White House.

Republicans are looking to add potential pickup opportunities in the House ahead of next year as they brace for a challenging midterm environment. Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio have all passed new maps, offering the GOP some potential new seats.

But Democrats are looking to erase some of those gains, passing a new map in California and are poised to pick up an additional seat in Utah next year. Democrats could also pass new maps in Virginia.